Paleo-like exercise regimen uses primal movements for fitness

The paleo diet was all about eating like cavemen — and now we’re moving like them too. A Preston gym is teaching the art of “primal movement” in a Melbourne first being embraced by several AFL sides.

The new trend of animal movement is sweeping through gyms across Australia.

First it was eating like cave men, and now we’re supposed to move like them too.

Primal movement is the latest fitness trend sweeping the country, emulating movements from the animal kingdom.

It follows the recent trend of paleo diets, modelled on the food intake of our prehistoric ancestors.

Exercises in primal movement follow the actions naturally developed from birth — the bend, squat, lunge, twist, push, pull and walk.

A new specialty facility in Preston, Primal Moves, runs classes in Zuu and animal flow.

Exercises use movements bend, squat, lunge, twist, push, pull and walk.

Owner David Mummery said he expected the style to reach the mainstream very soon.

“It just makes you think about why you’re doing things and why you move in a certain way. Instead of pushing a piece of equipment around,” he said.

Created by Australian trainer Nathan Helberg, Zuu is a high intensity body weight program now being used by a number of sports teams, including AFL sides.

Mr Mummery said while Zuu was “punchy” and quick, Animal flow was “balletic” and more controlled.

“Almost like interpretative dance,” he said.

And no one will be asked to howl at the moon or dance like a monkey.

“It’s not what you’d expect,” Mr Mummery said.

“It’s a beautiful thing. Once you get over that initial barrier, it becomes so addictive.”

For class information visit the Primal Moves website.

@richardapearce